How Much Maintenance Does a Septic Tank Need?

While the UK doesn’t have as many septic tanks as some countries, when you visit more rural areas they can still be quite common, with a high percentage of remote properties using this sort of system. However, if you’ve just moved into a property with a septic tank, it can be difficult to know how to maintain it, ensuring that the tank doesn’t overflow or become damaged, as well as getting the most from your unit. But how can you look after your septic tank, and how much maintenance does it really need?

Legal obligations

Because your septic tank contains potentially hazardous waste, it’s up to you to ensure it’s not harmful to the environment, and if you look at your permit it’ll outline what you need to do. Homeowners should:

Visit the tank area every month to look for anything unusual

Look out for boggy water or bad smells

Check for sludge or scum around the tank

Call out the experts if there’s any signs of the above

Not looking after your tank could mean you damage the environment around your home, which could lead to a fine from the local council or legal problems.

Conserve water and be careful with chemicals

Taking a few steps to look after your septic tank is the best way to keep it in good shape. Firstly, it’s worth thinking about your water usage levels. Could you switch baths for showers and potentially put less strain on the system? Does your waste water level necessitate getting a larger tank? It’s also worth thinking about switching to more eco-friendly cleaning products. Normal amounts of things like bleach are fine but avoid excessive chemicals and never pour things like paint into your system.

Avoiding blockages

Many things can end up down the drain that aren’t water or human waste. From baby wipes to coffee grounds, fats, sanitary products and more, these things can all cause issues with a septic tank system, meaning you might end up with a repair bill that was completely avoidable.

Regular pumping

Your septic tank will need to be pumped regularly to avoid blockages and empty the system. How long between pumps will depend on the size of the system and how many people are in your household. When this is done, septic tank cleaning can be carried out, which means your tank is jet washed to clear out any debris around it, so it can be inspected for any damage or potential issues. A septic tank that’s regularly maintained and checked will fare much better than one that’s allowed to overflow and become damaged, saving you money in the long-term, so make sure you make it part of your regular household maintenance.